“I Can Only Imagine” Movie Delivers

Full disclosure. Bart Millard is a friend. So this review could have been an awkward (not Happy) dance if the movie based on MercyMe’s iconic song had fallen flat. But it does not. I Can Only Imagine delivers a powerful and compelling story of redemption, forgiveness and the power of God’s grace.

This is a Christian movie you can recommend to friends who have been wounded by life. It is unabashedly Christian but it works because it is not preaching. It is Bart Millard’s story. The elements of faith are not contrived or cringe-worthy because they are simply his story. There is no more powerful canvas to illustrate faith than watching normal people do extraordinary things through the power of faith.

Dennis Quaid does a masterful job portraying Bart’s abusive dad Arthur. Quaid captures the fearful rage but also the tortured pain in Arthur’s own soul that needs a healing touch. J.Michael Finley plays Bart Millard perfectly although not quite as awkward as the real Bart. Sorry, I couldn’t play this entirely straight. This is a well done movie across the board in storytelling, acting and photography.

Understanding Bart’s difficult background made me understand even more why Bart was undone when he finally comprehended the miraculous depth of God’s Grace. Learning about a Father’s love that never changes inspired Bart Millard to write lyrics like this in the song Greater.

Bring your tired
And bring your shame
Bring your guilt
And bring your pain
Don’t you know that’s not your name
You will always be much more to me

Every day I wrestle with the voices
That keep telling me I’m not right
But that’s alright

‘Cause I hear a voice and He calls me redeemedWhen others say I’ll never be enoughAnd greater is the One living inside of me

When the movie ended there was applause and then an almost sacred silence. I think everyone in that room felt the power of God’s redemptive love and the renewing power of Grace. It is a message desperately needed today and beautifully delivered in this movie. I didn’t have to imagine that because I experienced it tonight. Please see this movie.

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2 comments

Dave Burchett

Full disclosure: I don’t think I ever heard the song before. But I worked in the music business for a decade before I got saved, I loved music on cassettes (U2!), I come from an abusive family and I pretty much wrecked every relationship I had. And dad died a couple years ago…and he didn’t accept Jesus (and I’m a missionary…fail!). As a result, I was incredibly wrecked by this movie…I can’t recall crying so hard for years. His story is a lot of people’s story and I hope it finds that audience. The hope and redemption it leaves is palpable.